We also designed the additional emergency chilled water and critical process cooling systems required for the facilities MRI unit which incorporated a stand-alone chiller totally isolated for MRI use. Our team provided submittal reviews and onsite construction support for these systems.

The selection and specification of the mechanical systems focused on LEED criteria (although LEED certification was not pursued) in which St. Luke’s was able to receive a $49K Idaho Power Energy Incentive.

With two additional future phases planned, POWER was also tasked with the responsibility of planning for and providing future capacity on each mechanical system as well as phased construction. The specialized VAV control systems were designed to continually exceed or provide minimum air changes depending on the space function, sensible cooling loads and pressurization requirements.

To further “mechanically” remedy infectious control issues, air handlers were selected with IAQ drain pans, MERV14 final filters and programmed to provide a nightly building flush while the facility is unoccupied. A ducted return system was also employed as well as constant volume ventilation for critical spaces. The mechanical room housed high efficiency condensing boilers, which can produce operating efficiencies up to 98%.